OTIS WRITES TO MILLER, DECEMBER 28, 1898
HDQRS. DEPT. PACIFIC AND EIGHTH ARMY CORPS,
Manila, P. I., December 28,1898.

Lieut. Col. C. L. Potter,
Chief Engineer Officer, Department Pacific and Eighth Army Corps.

Sir: since delivering to you instructions for General Miller, I am in receipt of a dispatch from Admiral Dewey saying it is not practicable to send the Callao to Iloilo, and he further thinks the proper thing now to do is to recall the expedition, as the insurgents are in full possession and will probably not give up without a fight. This expression of view on the part of the Admiral only confirms my view that you should use every possible means of conciliation, and still I am not of the belief that the expedition can be returned. Better that we leave the war vessel and a small force to confront Iloilo and scatter the force to other ports in the southern islands, where troops are very much needed at the present time. You will therefore inform General Miller to be governed by these views as nearly as possible. I will try and send further information in regard to the condition of the islands tomorrow or next day. Notwithstanding all this, i still hold to my view that Iloilo must be taken.

very respectfully,

E. S. OTIS,
Major-General, U.S.V., Commanding.